San José Animal Care & Services pet licensing
Why license?
In accordance with state and local laws, pet licenses are mandatory in the cities that San José Animal Care & Services serves. In fact, licenses are mandatory in nearly every community across North America. Why? Because licenses help keep pets and the communities they live in safe. DocuPet was brought on board to simplify and improve pet licensing to benefit not only pet owners like you, but the entire community. DocuPet makes it easy for the San José Animal Care & Services to deliver a successful pet licensing program with a streamlined software and management solution that makes licensing a breeze for pet owners and administrators alike.
What will you need?
Licensing your pet will require specific information and proof. Having these items at the ready allows for the fastest experience. You have the option to upload a document as a saved or scanned file, or you may take a photo directly from your device on our upload page.
Payment
We securely process payment online and accept all major credit and debit cards as forms of payment.
Documents
Spay/Neuter proof
This document is required to qualify for the discounted rate and is only needed once and will be saved to your pet’s profile upon upload for future renewals. This proof declaring that your pet has been spayed or neutered may be in the form of a statement or receipt from the veterinarian, shelter, or clinic that performed the procedure.
Rabies vaccination proof
This document serves as formal proof that your pet has received a California-approved rabies vaccination. This document may be in the form of a Rabies Vaccination Certificate that has been signed by a veterinarian or certified professional. It is the law that pets must be up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations, so new documents will need to be uploaded to your pet’s profile as they receive their booster shots.
How to license
Online
The fastest and easiest way to license or renew is right here. You'll create a profile for your pet, upload any necessary documents, process your license registration, and receive purchase confirmations via email. Payment can be made using a credit card or Visa/Mastercard debit card. Each year, you just need to log in to your existing account and renew - it's super easy!
License a pet for the first time
I've never licensed a pet with San José Animal Care & Services before.
License nowIn-person
In-person licensing is available at the following location(s) however it's important to know you will still receive your tag in the mail:
Don't forget to check hours of operation, appointment policies, and accepted payment methods prior to heading out.
If you opt to license via snail mail—keep in mind processing your registration will take a lot longer!
Make sure you complete the below form in full and that it is free of any errors otherwise your registration may not be successfully processed. The fine print is there for a reason so keep an eye out for accepted payment methods, who the check should be made out to, where it should be mailed, and any required supporting documentation.
Pet license form (English)
- Download the San José application form
- Download the Milpitas application form
- Download the Cupertino application form
- Download the Saratoga application form
Formulario de licencia para mascotas (Español)
Phone
If you're unable to complete your pet's license online, you can contact our Customer Care team for assistance. Please note that licenses are primarily designed to be completed online, and phone support is intended for troubleshooting or special circumstances.
You must have up-to-date spay/neuter or rabies documentation on file. We can accept credit cards and Visa/Mastercard debit cards for payment.
DocuPet Customer Care: 1-877-239-6072
Hours of Operation:Monday-Saturday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM PST (excluding holidays)Sunday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM PST
License fees & details
San José Animal Care & Services is contracted to issue licenses in the following communities
San José Fees & Details
Pet licenses are required for all dogs and cats living in San José. Licenses are available for 3-12, 13-24, and 13-36 month terms so long as the rabies vaccination remains valid for the duration of the chosen license. If your pet’s rabies vaccination expires prior to the selected license term, the license will expire on the rabies vaccination expiration date.
| Dog Licenses | Fee |
|---|---|
| Altered Dog License (3–12 Months) | $30.00 |
| Altered Dog License (13–24 Months) | $50.00 |
| Altered Dog License (13–36 Months) | $70.00 |
| Senior Altered Dog License (3–12 Months) | $0.00 |
| Senior Altered Dog License (13–24 Months) | $0.00 |
| Senior Altered Dog License (13–36 Months) | $0.00 |
| Unaltered Dog License (3–12 Months) | $70.00 |
| Altered Veteran Dog License | $0.00 |
| Cat Licenses | Fee |
|---|---|
| Altered Cat License (3–12 Months) | $30.00 |
| Altered Cat License (13–24 Months) | $40.00 |
| Altered Cat License (13–36 Months) | $50.00 |
| Senior Altered Cat License (3–12 Months) | $0.00 |
| Senior Altered Cat License (13–24 Months) | $0.00 |
| Senior Altered Cat License (13–36 Months) | $0.00 |
| Unaltered Cat License (3–12 Months) | $50.00 |
| Altered Veteran Cat License | $0.00 |
- A replacement tag is available for a $7.00 fee.
- A valid rabies certificate is required to complete the licensing process. You must upload or present your certificates at time of purchase.
- Licenses are available for 3-12, 13-24 and 13-36 month terms so long as the rabies vaccination remains valid for the duration of the chosen license. If your pet’s rabies vaccination expires prior to the selected license term, the license will expire on the rabies vaccination expiration date.
- A spay/neuter certificate is required to qualify for the discounted rate.
- When licensing a Certified Guide or Assistance Dog for the first time, licensing must be done in person. Future renewals may be done online once the status is verified.
- A late fee of $20.00 will apply 30 days following license expiration.
- Pet owners must be 65 or older with a spayed/neutered pet to qualify for senior citizen rates. Only 1 free pet per household. The first pet you add to your account will qualify for this rate.
- Licenses are required for pets over 4 months of age.
Milpitas Fees & Details
Pet licenses are required for all dogs and cats living in Milpitas. Licenses are available for 3-12 and 12-36 month terms so long as the rabies vaccination remains valid for the duration of the chosen license. If your pet’s rabies vaccination expires prior to the selected license term, the license will expire on the rabies vaccination expiration date.
| Dog Licenses | Fee |
|---|---|
| Altered Dog License (3-12 Months) | $25.00 |
| Altered Dog License (12-36 Months) | $50.00 |
| Senior Altered Dog License (3-12 Months) | $0.00 |
| Senior Altered Dog License (13-36 Months) | $0.00 |
| Unaltered Dog License (3-12 Months) | $65.00 |
| Unaltered Senior Dog License (3-12 Months) | $0.00 |
| Cat Licenses | Fee |
|---|---|
| Altered Cat License (3-12 Months) | $15.00 |
| Altered Cat License (12-36 Months) | $30.00 |
| Senior Altered Cat License (13-36 Months) | $0.00 |
| Senior Altered Cat License (3-12 Months) | $0.00 |
| Unaltered Cat License (3-12 Months) | $35.00 |
| Unaltered Senior Cat License (3-12 Months) | $0.00 |
- A replacement tag is available for a $4.00 fee.
- A valid rabies certificate is required to complete the licensing process. You must upload or present your certificates at time of purchase.
- Licenses are available for 3-12 and 12-36 month terms so long as the rabies vaccination remains valid for the duration of the chosen license. If your pet’s rabies vaccination expires prior to the selected license term, the license will expire on the rabies vaccination expiration date.
- A spay/neuter certificate is required to qualify for the discounted rate.
- When licensing a Certified Guide or Assistance Dog for the first time, licensing must be done in person. Future renewals may be done online once the status is verified.
- Pet owners must be 65 or older to qualify for senior citizen rates. Only 1 free pet per household. The first pet you add to your account will qualify for this rate.
- A late fee of $15.00 will apply 30 days following license expiration.
- Licenses are required for pets over 4 months of age.
Cupertino Fees & Details
Pet licenses are required for all dogs and cats living in Cupertino. Licenses are available for 3-12 and 12-36 month terms so long as the rabies vaccination remains valid for the duration of the chosen license. If your pet’s rabies vaccination expires prior to the selected license term, the license will expire on the rabies vaccination expiration date.
| Dog Licenses | Fee |
|---|---|
| Altered Dog License (3-12 Months) | $25.00 |
| Altered Dog License (12-36 Months) | $55.00 |
| Senior Altered Dog License (3-12 Months) | $0.00 |
| Senior Altered Dog License (13-36 Months) | $0.00 |
| Unaltered Dog License (3-12 Months) | $65.00 |
| Cat Licenses | Fee |
|---|---|
| Altered Cat License (3-12 Months) | $20.00 |
| Altered Cat License (12-36 Months) | $40.00 |
| Senior Altered Cat License (3-12 Months) | $0.00 |
| Senior Altered Cat License (13-36 Months) | $0.00 |
| Unaltered Cat License (3-12 Months) | $35.00 |
- A replacement tag is available for a $5.00 fee.
- A valid rabies certificate is required to complete the licensing process. You must upload or present your certificates at time of purchase.
- Licenses are available for 3-12 and 12-36 month terms so long as the rabies vaccination remains valid for the duration of the chosen license. If your pet’s rabies vaccination expires prior to the selected license term, the license will expire on the rabies vaccination expiration date.
- A spay/neuter certificate is required to qualify for the discounted rate.
- When licensing a Certified Guide or Assistance Dog for the first time, licensing must be done in person. Future renewals may be done online once the status is verified.
- A late fee of $15.00 will apply 30 days following license expiration.
- Pet owners must be 65 or older with a spayed/neutered pet to qualify for senior citizen rates. Only 1 free pet per household. The first pet you add to your account will qualify for this rate.
- Licenses are required for pets over 4 months of age.
Saratoga Fees & Details
Pet licenses are required for all dogs and cats living in Saratoga. Licenses are available for 3-12 and 12-36 month terms so long as the rabies vaccination remains valid for the duration of the chosen license. If your pet’s rabies vaccination expires prior to the selected license term, the license will expire on the rabies vaccination expiration date.
| Dog Licenses | Fee |
|---|---|
| Altered Dog License (3-12 Months) | $25.00 |
| Altered Dog License (12-36 Months) | $55.00 |
| Senior Altered Dog License (3-12 Months) | $0.00 |
| Senior Altered Dog License (13-36 Months) | $0.00 |
| Unaltered Dog License (3-12 Months) | $65.00 |
| Cat Licenses | Fee |
|---|---|
| Altered Cat License (3-12 Months) | $25.00 |
| Altered Cat License (12-36 Months) | $40.00 |
| Senior Altered Cat License (3-12 Months) | $0.00 |
| Senior Altered Cat License (13-36 Months) | $0.00 |
| Unaltered Cat License (3-12 Months) | $35.00 |
- A replacement tag is available for a $5.00 fee.
- A valid rabies certificate is required to complete the licensing process. You must upload or present your certificates at time of purchase.
- Licenses are available for 3-12 and 12-36 month terms so long as the rabies vaccination remains valid for the duration of the chosen license. If your pet’s rabies vaccination expires prior to the selected license term, the license will expire on the rabies vaccination expiration date.
- A spay/neuter certificate is required to qualify for the discounted rate.
- When licensing a Certified Guide or Assistance Dog for the first time, licensing must be done in person. Future renewals may be done online once the status is verified.
- A late fee of $15.00 will apply 30 days following license expiration.
- Pet owners must be 65 or older with a spayed/neutered pet to qualify for senior citizen rates. Only 1 free pet per household. The first pet you add to your account will qualify for this rate.
- Licenses are required for pets over 4 months of age.
Frequently asked questions
HELP DESK
Still have a question that you have not been able to answer?
Visit our Help Desk for more information: https://docupetinc.zendesk.com/hc/en-us
LICENSING OPTIONS, DATES, AND LOCATIONS
When does my pet's license expire?
Licenses expire at the end of the license term selected unless your pet's current rabies vaccination expiration date falls prior to the end of the term. A license cannot be valid at any time if a pet's rabies is expired. If you renew prior to the upcoming expiration date, your pet's new license will start the day after expiration, not on the date of purchase.
What is the refund policy on licenses?
No refunds are provided on licenses purchased regardless of circumstances.
When can I renew my pet's license?
You may renew your pet's license within 60 days of your pet's current license expiration date. If you renew prior to the upcoming expiration date, your pet's new license will start the day after expiration, not on the date of purchase.
When does my pet's temporary license expire?
Temporary licenses expire after 30 days. To convert a temporary license into a full license you must provide new proof of rabies vaccination prior to the temporary license expiration date. If the newly provided rabies expiration date falls prior to the term end, the new license expiration date will be the same as the rabies vaccination expiration date.
PROGRAM AND PARTNERSHIP
Why does the system say my address is not valid?
You may have entered your address incorrectly or we may not have your address in the address database for your community. Please double-check all spelling and ensure you are using the abbreviated form for your street (e.g., type St instead of Street.) You may contact DocuPet Customer Care directly for assistance if you believe you reside within the licensing jurisdiction but your address is not being accepted by the system.
FEES AND FINES
Why am I being charged a late fee?
Late fees come into effect if a license is not renewed within 30 days of the original expiration date.
I qualify for the veteran or disability rates. What do I do?
Please get in touch with San José Animal Care & Services by calling (408) 794-7240 or emailing AnimalLicensing@sanjoseca.gov to find out more.
What is the senior citizen age requirement?
Those aged 65 and older may qualify for a senior citizen rate. Your pet must be spayed/neutered to receive the senior rate.
What is the processing fee?
A processing fee of $2.00 per license product applies to all online orders.
ACCOUNT UPDATES
How do I notify DocuPet that my pet has passed away?
We're sorry for your loss. You can update a pet's profile via your online account by editing your pet's profile and selecting 'Remove this Pet'.
My pet is no longer with me, but I’m still receiving renewal reminders?
We’re sorry! Unfortunately, unless you update your account to reflect that a pet is no longer in your care, we have no way of knowing. Have you already told us? You may have a duplicate account. Get in touch with your licensing organization or our DocuPet customer service team to update your record.
Does my license transfer if I am moving?
If you are moving, please be sure to update your address by logging into your online account and navigating to your Profile Settings page. Even though you are moving, you’ll still be able to keep your pet's tag and access your pet's online account. However, your current license may not be valid in the new community you are moving to. Please get in touch with the pet licensing provider in the new community you are moving to in order to find out more information.
TAGS
Will my pet receive a new free tag with every order?
No, each pet will only receive one free tag with their first license via DocuPet. This tag doesn’t expire. If you’ve already received a DocuPet tag, your furry friend is good to go! If you’d like a new tag, you can purchase a standard replacement tag or a new designer tag during the license order process or in our store.
CITY INFORMATION AND CITY ORDINANCES
Where can I find information about the pet licensing ordinance/bylaw?
Visit this page for information on licensing ordinances/bylaws.
What species are required to be licensed?
The following species are required to be licensed: Dogs and Cats.
DOCUMENT SUBMISSION
My pet is spay/neuter exempt, what do I do?
You will need to complete the required paperwork and visit San José Animal Care & Services in person to qualify for a spay/neuter exemption.
Where can I obtain a copy of my pet’s rabies document?
If you can’t locate the document you received after the procedure was done, you will need to contact your vet to obtain your pet's records. Be sure to specify any and all pets you require documentation for.
Once you’ve got the paperwork in your hands, take a look to ensure:
- The document provided is the right type of proof required.
- Pet and pet owner account data matches your own.
- The document is clear and legible.
Where can I obtain a copy of my pet’s spay/neuter document?
If you can’t locate the document you received after the procedure was done, you will need to contact your vet to obtain your pet's records. Be sure to specify any and all pets you require documentation for.
Once you’ve got the paperwork in your hands, take a look to ensure:
The document provided is the right type of proof required.
Pet and pet owner account data matches your own.
The document is clear and legible.
My pet is rabies exempt, what do I do?
You will need to complete the required paperwork and visit San José Animal Care & Services in person to qualify for a rabies exemption.
What documentation is required to purchase a license?
A valid rabies proof is required to purchase a pet license. A 30-day temporary license may be issued if you do not have rabies proof at the time of licensing. Proof of spay/neuter is required to receive the discounted altered rates.
Can I still license my pet if I don’t have the required documentation?
Yes! A temporary license can be issued while you gather your documents. Just follow one of the licensing methods listed above to get started. Please note that proof must be submitted before the temporary license expires, otherwise a new license will need to be purchased.